No matter how much storage the factory crams into the latest runabouts, sometimes it’s just not enough! Particularly if you’re looking at going out for a really long ride or planning for a full day’s worth of PWC fishing. Storage space becomes a very valuable commodity when it comes to rides like these and that is why many resort to creating their own storage racks.
But steer clear of those sketchy PVC pipe-constructed racks – they simply can’t withstand the brutality of open ocean or aggressive riding that a fabricated steel rack can. And that’s why we prefer the awesome storage rack from Kool PWC Stuff. Designed by the the father-and-son team from Fort Myers, Florida, Kool PWC Stuff’s jet ski fishing and cooler rack is engineered to fit nearly any personal watercraft runabout today (besides the iS-equipped Sea-Doos).
The easy-to-use and easier-to-install rack requires literally minutes to install, and requires literally zero drilling or cutting to your personal watercraft. Outfitted with rod holders, fishing rod holders and attachments for lightweight saddle bag-style jerry cans, it can also hold a full-sized Igloo cooler and much more.
Also, all of Kool PWC Stuff’s racks feature individually adjusted legs provide a flat, secure surface for their rack to rest. We caught this video recently showing us how quickly and easily a Kool PWC Rack can be installed for a lifetime of use. Check out below:
We’re in the height of prime riding season and all of us at The Watercraft Journal are beside ourselves to welcome RIVA Racing as our newest advertiser. Possibly the single-largest names in top-level performance parts and equipment to help you go faster and last longer on the water, RIVA Racing has provided performance personal watercraft enthusiasts with everything they need to boil the water beneath them for over twenty years.
Leading the aftermarket in re-engineering factory equipment for increased durability, response feel and lower weight, as well as designing and manufacturing parts and components to radically increasing overall power production and delivery, RIVA is at the tip of the go-fast spear. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another company’s name and parts on more skis of racers, hot rodders, and PWC enthusiasts.
RIVA Racing is the largest source for performance parts, accessories and services in the world for personal watercraft and sport boats. The performance products we offer are developed using the latest in design & technology and then brutally tested by their Performance Development Team in “real world conditions.” For over twenty years RIVA Racing Performance Products have carried their team, as well as numerous others, to over 40 National & World titles as well as a World Water Speed Record recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. RIVA Racing’s commitment to the sport is displayed by the quality parts and services offered which make up the foundation of a well rounded line of recreational and serious performance products.
There are few people more passionate about our Junior class racers than Stefani Perez. Nicknamed “Body Beach Grandma” by those who know her, the effervescent super fan unfortunately suffered a severe heart attack on April 26th, requiring her to undergo heart surgery.
Junior racer Brent Disney recounted, “she drove herself to the hospital in the middle of her heart attack because she didn’t want to pay for the ambulance. A week after the surgery, she was out at the West Coast Nationals to watch us Juniors. She is a crazy lady, but we love her.”
Right now the jet skiing community is rallying together to help raise funds to help cover the costs of Stefani’s heart surgery and treatment, as Stefani is without health insurance.
Brent Disney & the Junior Stars pushing to help raise money for Stefani Perez’s medical bills. Donations and well-wishes are welcomed – just pass along your support by visiting the GiveForward.com page here.
Donations will be collected and presented to Stefani by the Junior racers in one big check at the end of the donation period ending in 60 days of this publication.
“I’m comedian Kurt Braunohler and I think I might have figured out the dumbest way to make the world a better place,” begins Braunohler’s IndieGoGo.com fundraiser page. “I’ll be jet-skiing from Chicago to New Orleans (seriously) in order to raise money to provide 500 goats and 1000 chickens for African families in need. I’ve got the jet ski, I’ve got my route – I just need YOU to donate money so we can help change people’s lives.”
In “Roustabout,” produced by Comedy Central’s “CC:Studios” and premiering on cc.com this July, Braunohler’s six-episode show “American Jet Ski,” covers his seven city ride from Chicago to New Orleans in an effort to raise money for Heifer International to send 500 goats and 1000 chickens to impoverished villages in Africa.
According to Comedy Central, “Roustabout” was created by and stars Braunohler, featuring the comedian “taking on the world in a huge sweeping feat of absurdity, namely, jet skiing down the Mississippi River for charity. Over the course of seven days Braunohler will come ashore at several cities for stand-up sets and other hijinks with friends and guest stars Wyatt Cenac, Jon Daly, Kyle Kinane and Kristen Schaal.
“The epic journey begins in Chicago with a stand-up show featuring Braunohler and guest Cenac on May 29 followed by a launch event from Navy Pier on May 30. Confirmed stops include St. Louis, MO (May 31), Kaskaskia, IL (June 1), and New Orleans (June 6). “Roustabout” is directed by Jeff Tomsic and written by Braunohler and Scotty Landes.”
In partnership with Heifer, Braunohler hopes to raise $50,000 to send goats and chickens to Africa, and all money above $50,000 will go to a charity to help clean up the Mississippi River.
Heifer International empowers families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity, but their approach is more than just giving them a handout. Heifer links communities and helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. Their animals provide partners with both food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market.
Update: Comedy Central has invited The Watercraft Journal to personally attend the filming of Kurt’s episode on the Tennessee River – and would like to extend the invitation to all of you PWC enthusiasts! Starting bright and early on Wednesday morning at the Grand Harbors Marina, in Counce, TN on June 4th by 7:15am so they can do waivers and start filming by 8am. Be prepared to ride, so bring your ski and safety gear, and you can be on national television!
In the ever-growing world of super trick freestyle and surf riding skis the name Tiger Craft can’t be ignored. Tiger Craft has made a name for themselves by designing and producing exceptionally strong and lightweight hull designs for Yamaha SuperJet-based, freestyle standup skis. Proof that this company really is run by watercraft enthusiasts is apparent as they announce their plans to revive the surf riding legend-the Yamaha WaveBlaster. The name of this new project is the “Viper.”
When Yamaha produced the WaveBlaster twenty-plus years ago it did not take long for people to notice how well the watercraft did in the surf. Tiger Craft announced that these new Vipers will be based on the old ‘Blasters, but every part will be new, redesigned, and vastly improved.
In Tiger Craft’s designs they have enhanced the hull design by using their proven surf rocker design, shortened the rear end of the ski by three inches, increased water flow in the pump, upgraded seat mounting to a motocross style seat, improved air intake design and general strength of the entire hull and motor mounts. They even made it possible to run a fuel tank, water box, and exhaust from a SuperJet that will improve the center of gravity and overall handling of the watercraft.
This is not the first time that a company has released plans to make some sort of new age ‘Blaster, but in Tiger Craft’s own words, “We can say without a doubt that this is one ‘Blaster hull you will see this year.”
Austria’s favorite son Kevin Reiterer had a big announcement that might’ve slipped under your radar; he stated in a Facebook post, “It’s official. I started a team with Jonna Borgström and Daniel Svae Andersen. Two of many great people I have met over the past year!”
In a press released issued yesterday, Reiterer gushed over his teammates’ performance, saying:
An amazing race to start of with a new Team. Kev-Racing is a group of dedicated people with love for a sport and a will to achieve their dreams and most of all enjoy the way to get there. The Jetcross tour race was a great success for the Team and Kevin. With a first and a second place finish in Ski Elite, despite a swim in the second moto, and another top 3 finish of Jonna Borgstrom in the Ladies class the Team left a huge mark in the racing series. Despite, Daniel Andersen, was a podium contender in Ski Amateur he could not finish the last moto.”
It has been an amazing weekend- I love to go to my limits! To perform well at that race, you just have to go to your limits. I am happy with my results and I could experience my weakest mental point in the last moto,” says the young Austrian. He is impressed by his Team mates performance and they are all working now hard for the second race of the championship in July (5-7 Switzerland www.free4style.com) for the greatest race of all time with more than 20,000 spectators watching the SWATCH free4style event.
He also provided this professionally-produced video recap of the Kev-Racing Team at the first stop of the Jetcross Tour:
Becoming a personal watercraft owner and operator is a little more complicated than it seems at first glace. Basic watercraft maintenance is not only an issue, but owners have to remember to be up to date on registration, have the proper safety equipment, a well-maintained trailer, and know how to properly tow a loaded trailer, among other things. With all that needs to be done before heading off to the water it makes sense to make a check list, but what needs to be on the pre lake checklist? Luckily Sea-Doo has reached out to watercraft owners both new and experienced with their “How To” video series.
Sea-Doo released the first of eleven “How To” videos this month and will continue to release one each week throughout the summer. The first video “Getting Started” walks viewers through the personal watercraft buying experience. The video is well made and entertaining: which is good for those of us with short attention spans. The video teaches the importance of basic dealer relationships and getting to know local laws. Like the title entails it is a comprehensive look at getting ready to get behind the throttle of a new watercraft.
The second video outlines basic safety gear and equipment necessary for a good experience in the water. From basics such as fire extinguishers and speed limits to becoming comfortable with equipment; from quality wet suits and pfd’s to lanyards and other tinkets. This video covers everything just short of sunscreen application. Trust me, you will be ready to go.
Sea-Doo then comes out with a follow up video that every watercraft owner should see. It outlines basic guidelines of towing a trailer and driving safely. Watching a video is no substitute for getting out and practicing driving with a trailer but Sea-Doo gives clear guidelines on how to do some of the more tricky maneuvers such as backing down launch ramps. These guidelines will help keep drivers on route to fun and not on the side of the road with your trailer detached in the middle of the freeway.
Sea-Doo will continue posting the useful videos on their YouTube channel throughout the summer. Whether you are looking into purchasing your first personal watercraft or if you’ve been an owner for years, and want to brush up on proper techniques, these videos will prove to be very useful. Keep your eyes peeled for further videos to come each week; they shouldn’t be missed.
[Let me preface this by saying that I don’t drink alcohol, and equally feel that it has never been my place to impose my personal reasons for not doing so on others. My values are mine and such decisions should be left to the individual to make. Nor is this the dais to evaluate whether alcohol consumption is ethical, moral or even sanitary. Rather, I will be commenting on the sensitive subject of appropriateness, particularly as I view it. This is an editorial, and therefore my opinion. So take it for you will.]
What today’s world of constant and generally unearned emotional affirmation has done for our youth has taught them that if everyone is “special,” then none of us are. Schools and self-described educators have done a fantastic job of distributing participation awards, gold stars for attendance and equally milquetoast accolades to the underachievers equally as the achievers, effectively dissuading any motivation for excellence. When each of us are extraordinary, we are all indeed ordinary.
Partial blame (or credit, depending how you view it) can be attributed to the various forms of social media we subscribe to. Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, Instagram and Tumblr accounts have converted its users into self-promoting marketers. We are our own press agents, publicizing the details of our lives in glorious splendor, using kitschy photo filters, bitstrips, pokes, updates and check-ins to detail our lives to the world.
This overt lack of privacy is self-inflicted, making the outrage over our own government’s intrusion on our lives so absurdly hypocritical. If privacy was truly such a treasured asset, why would you be publishing your life before billions of eyes? Whether we choose to believe it, we are being watched. Not just via the most sophisticated information-gathering algorithms on the planet, but to all of those whom we’ve allowed access, who follow us, “Like” our posts and hashtag our daily doings.
Over the course of this Memorial Day weekend, the few social media outlets that I follow have been adrift in blurred selfies and grainy candids of partying. Across the nation, persons are enjoying themselves on beaches and shorelines. Enjoying time off with a few libations is expected for most adults, particularly over the holiday, but it’s when drinking is being photographed in association with personal watercraft that I have a problem.
Fact: drinking while riding a PWC is a criminal offense. It’s called Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail time. According to the USCG report, “In 2013, the Coast Guard counted 4,062 accidents that involved 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.”
Considering that personal watercraft accounted for 18-percent of these accidents, the report concludes stating that “Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths.”
Yet, many are in flagrant disregard of this, posting photos from behind the handlebars, on the beach, lounging around the sandbar and mingling around the launch ramp with drinks in hand. While drinking while riding is no less egregious whether there’s a photograph of it or not, it’s the popularization of it that is so abhorrent.
Even as intimate as it may be, many persons within this industry wield significant followings, many of them underage. When professional riders post pictures like these, what does it communicate to the budding youth rider who aspires to be a professional racer, freestylist or freerider? What behaviors are being advocated to an impressionable teenager?
Many of these riders are sponsored by companies; companies who have wagered quite a bit of money on them to properly and professionally represent their reputable brand. Is this how they want to be represented? A rider is accountable for not only their own actions but how they effect their sponsors, not just on the water, but in the pits and with everything they choose to publish online.
Remember what happened to Olympic medalist Michael Phelps in February 2009, when publication of a photograph of Phelps smoking marijuana got out? Phelps not only lost Kellogg as a major sponsor but was slapped with a fine and suspension from the USA Swimming team for three months.
In professional sports, actions have consequences. What would happen if photographs of Dale Earnhart Jr. drinking a beer behind the wheel were to surface? Whether he was at the track or not, Junior would be stripped of millions of dollars’ worth of sponsorships, not to mention suspension from racing competitively for several races (if not longer).
Yet, no such penalties are found in jet ski racing. Why not? If the sport wants to be taken seriously – and bring in significantly larger outside sponsorships, we need to be held to equal standards of professionalism.
But I fear we have a long way to go. Some of our own magazines go so far as to publicize heavy drinking as part of the typical and therefore desirable “lifestyle,” masquerading photos of partying and reports of fighting, destruction of private property and even arrests as “event coverage.” Not only is this woefully unprofessional for any industry periodical to publish, but a worse reflection of the companies who advertise with them, because their doing so condones such articles.
It is my stance that evidence of impaired boating should be grounds for immediate suspension from professional competition and the possible disqualification from the current national championship, not to mention the stripping of sponsorships. Boating Under the Influence isn’t like losing your temper and swearing at a course official. Drinking and driving anything motorized kills people.
I am wholly aware that this is a very unpopular position to take, and infractions and exceptions to this can be found throughout all of professional sporting. I don’t look forward to the nasty emails and posts this editorial will get, but that does not detract from the necessity to eliminate all forms of impaired boating. Keep your drinking in check and keep it away from the water and away from the throttle of anything.
More often, we keep hearing how personal watercraft are being employed in good work, all of which is useful in preserving the rights of personal watercraft enthusiasts to enjoy their craft in waterways around the globe. Yesterday, we were made aware of Pacific Palms lifeguard Lennon Fisher, who has used his PWC to save seven lives in less than two years.
Most recently, Fisher saved one of three rock fishermen swept into treacherous seas last week. Fisher, one of several surf lifesavers connected to the Surf Life Saving NSW Lower North Coast Branch, was alerted last Wednesday of three men from Goulburn that swept from the rocks into the ocean by described a “freak wave.”
The rock platform near the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks is a popular fishing sport. All four fishermen were swept into the water, with the fourth being the only one to swim back to the beach. Fisher and fellow lifeguard, John Gray immediately scrambled, Fisher launching a club jet ski from Boat Beach while Gray remained ashore as backup.
When Fisher arrived, he soon saw the lone man pacing up and down a rock platform. In an interview with Great Lakes Advocate, he recalled, “One guy was on the rocks, running up and down screaming and pointing in the other direction and it was then that I saw this other man clinging to rocks.”
“The man was stripped down to his undies and I realized he couldn’t physically move so I got in the water and I was able to push him up onto the ski. Then I had the drama of trying to get myself back on the ski without rolling it.”
Fisher drove the man to safety back to Boat Beach where Gray was waiting. The man pacing the rocks was air lifted by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter. He concluded, “When we got back to the beach I thought there was only one guy in the water and we had saved him but then we found out about the other man missing (Peter Oberg) so it was pretty heartbreaking to find out there’s still someone out there.”
Pacific Palms Surf Club president Kel McCredie praised Fisher saying it had been the seventh life he had saved in the past two years. “That’s the highest on the list for rescues,” McCredie said. “And they’ve all been on jet skis.”
With all of the high-intensity racing, surf jumping and general hardcore action we’ve been covering lately, we’ve been feeling…well, a little exhausted! So we thought we’d unwind and take in a little video browsing on YouTube when we came across this awesome video from a couple years back.
Filmed and edited by self-described hip hop artist/wakeboarder/action sports enthusiast Collin Gee, this quick jaunt through the painted canyons of Lake Powell makes us want to pack up and head out to the Arizona/Utah border lake for a little desert session. Filmed with a GoPro HD Hero with one of GoPole’s “The bobber” mounts, we got into the groove of the bluesy tunes from musician Jake Andrews as Gee and pals careened through the canals.
Dated July 2011, Gee writes, “I am not into sit-down jetskis, I love stand up jetskis way more, but on Lake Powell sit-down jetski is so fun! My friends in the video [are] Brooke Quigley, Kyle McGroary, Eddie Valdez, Joel Hilliard, Kyle Schmidt, Jeff Hartman, Tino Santori and Ryan Bezemek.” We would also like to note that Gee and friends are briefly filmed riding without proper life vests, and at no time does The Watercraft Journal condone such action as we always want to promote safe riding.
